Comments on the Military and Business Ownership

“The military taught me leadership, management, and people skills.”

Thomas Krick - Homeland Property Inspections

“Military service has made me an even more responsible person!”

Roy Drangstveit - Minnesota Valley Inspections LLC

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service.”

Kelen Prutow - U.S. Integrators

“Serving in the military has helped me stay more focused on the quality of my work performance while increasing my organizational skills. I am much more confident in my communication with personnel at all levels of an organization and am more at ease speaking in front of large groups. Most importantly, the military has taught me to focus less on the problem at hand and focus more attention on how to resolve the problem quickly with everyone's best interest in mind.”

Eddie Littrell - Corporate Resource Solutions, LLC

“We’re trained to do our jobs and react to certain situations just the way civilian employees are. But we also have leeway to use our intelligence and awareness to respond to new situations and come up with new ways of doing things. We work in teams, so as problems come up, we solve them collectively and understanding the company’s mission and looking to my to employees for insights are all skills I learned while in service. In the military, we work in teams, and we have leaders just the way.”

Frank Valenti - Fulton Graphics, Inc.

“The military taught me primarily to listen and learn, understand diversity, and work with everyone. Using my planning skills, multi-tasking experience, and level of understanding of people and industry, I have worked to develop processes and innovative techniques to improve not only a business, but the employees and atmosphere. The Military taught me that - everyone has a great idea - it just takes the right time and the right person to hear it and how to focus on it!”

Ron Craw - Improvement Innovations LLC

“Military service taught organization, leadership, work ethic, discipline and drive.”

Ralph Owens - O-Craftsmen Builders

“As a Marine Corps Sniper in Vietnam, it taught me the importance of being careful and paying close attention to small details.”

Dan Bowers - Holmes Inspection Company

“Get it done attitude.”

Jerry Dorman - Jerry W. Dorman Master Electrician

“Made me a more dynamic, honest and determined individual!”

Jake Haap - Orion Home Inspections

“Motivation, Discipline, and Foresight!”

John Paff - EAR Alaska

“Taught me patience.”

Jonathan Schneider - Schneider Financial Group, Ltd

“Being a Marine & D. I. speaks for it's self - There is only one way to do it and "That's The Right Way". ~ They call me {The Box Doctor} and I have 46 years experience Semper Fi”

Roger Maxson - Maxson Container Consultants

“I'm built to be a better leader and much more confidence now.”

carlos gutierrez - CD Phone Home Inc.

“As a Master Training Specialist with the USN I gained valuable teaching experience that helped the transition to the private sector.”

H.G. Laragione - Maritime Institute Inc.

“Professionalism, Compassion and Prudence. All traits associated with growing up in a military family and continue today as I say congrats and good luck to a Grandson going the Navy way.”

Rick Pino - Ricon Compliance Inspections

“As a Navy hospital corpsman back in the mid 80s, I spent several years juggling many tasks at one time. Whether drawing blood or filing medical records, everything had to be extremely organized and done quickly and perfectly. There was no room for error when it came to dealing with my daily duties in the Navy and there is no room for error today in running an agency. The military also helped me become comfortable working with different people from all ranks and all walks of life which makes running a web-centric marketing agency like eWareness much easier.”

Brian St.Ours - eWareness

“The US Army gave me the ability to make quick decisions, even though difficult keep on doing the task or duty until operation is complete and done to the best of my ability. Taught me to work as a team member, to encourage others to keep on going!”

Roy Huckaby - Weedseal Northwest Sales and Service

“The military instills in most persons a sense of responsibility and respect for structure. The chaos in our daily lives is much better dealt with, I believe, by a person with a military background as opposed to one without. This is evident by the shear number of people locked up in our prisons at enormous cost to our society. For those who chose to change their lives or to seek adventure or to follow in the footsteps of another in joining the military, my hat is off to you. All the best!”

John Berosh - Information Systems 2000

“The exposure to types of people outside of my chosen circle of friends and how to deal with difficult people are the most important lessons I learned while serving.”

John Hendrickson - Smoke Eaters Supply

“First the military service allowed me to participate in the GI Bill which paid for my Masters Degree in Business. Second it instilled in me a sense of integrity and honesty with is often missing in business. Third it taught me to focus on clients.”

Paul Harar - Maximum Blends

“Organizational Skills.”

Keith Picard - VAL-FAB, Inc.

“To be disciplined, focused and detail oriented.”

Jim Sabatello - Inland Flooring Contractors, Inc.

“Serving in the military gave me a good sense of direction and ethical business practices as well as a hard-working and responsible lifestyle.”

Michael Friedberg - Secure Standards, LLC

“Leadership. Never surrender. Think outside the box.”

Fred Seger - Graydentech

“Leadership and program management at the Defense Contract College.”

David Salvadorini - Salvadorini Consulting LLC

“It taught me to be able to deal with different personalities and to be able to be patient in waiting for what I am looking for.”

Aaron Thomason - Thomason and Partners, LLC

“Attention to detail. Management skills with employees.”

Ryan Powell - The Cleaning Corps

“It gave me structure, dedication, and made me a man.”

James Carlton - Defense Components of Detroit

“William Boone, was a Fleet Marine Corpsman in pre-Vietnam era. We are determined to support and encourage our brave heroes and to see that the disgraceful actions to our Vietnam vets doesn't happen to these heroes today. We have compassion and empathy with our deployed military. Our daughter has been to the SandBox 3 times with the Army so we understand the needs of our young people.”

William Boone - TOUCH OF HOME Support 4R Deployed Military, Inc.

“CAN Do attitude. Always ready to get the job done.”

peter vanwolvelaerd - VanDahl Engineering & Construction

“Almost 10 years in the USAF taught me many things including trustworthiness, timeliness, honesty, sense of pride, and ethical behavior.”

Michael White - Heritage Heating & Air LLC

“Since I've served in both the Army and Marine Corps, I have made the lessons learned, standard protocol. Just as I had to do to learn how to walk again after getting hit with an I.E.D. while providing convoy security in Iraq.”

Kris Rodriguez - The Rodriguez Insurance Agency

“Dedication, discipline, versatility and communication is the major component in a business. The military developed these skills within myself.”

Tyrone scott - Serendipitys The Biggest Little Shop

“The key word in any business is integrity.”

Gerard Sunnen - Ozonics International, LLC

“The military helped by providing me with the determination to keep striving for success in everything that I do!”

Edward McCullough Sr. - The Bait Barn

“Through training and discipline my service in the military has helped to mold me into a well rounded thinker. It gave me a great deal of structure and that coupled with my creative abilities makes a great combination for success.”

Scott Ceretti - VETS ROCK Inc.

“Being a leader of Marines prepared me to take the reigns of my company and relentley give everything that I possibly can to ensure that our customer base comes first and receives nothing but the highest quality of service.”

Brett Granger - Global Garage Flooring and Design of Houston, LLC.

“Improvise, adapt and overcome!”

Brian Durgin - Durgin's Lawn & Landscape

“The courtroom is a tough place to succeed, but not near as tough as the training and experiences I encountered in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman.”

Russell Little - The Law Offices of Russell Little, LLC

“Military service provided the ability to achieve tailored results in complex operating environments with a diverse work force. Teamwork, collaboration and individual/team achievement are key to customer satisfaction and company growth and professionalism.”

Ben Saylor - Fidelity Contract Flooring, LLC

“Trust, leadership, independent, and the ability to talk and work with others to accomplish goals.”

Jeffrey Lakatos - Hartland Electric LLC

“The military instilled the importance of pride and dedication in the task at hand, also the need for attention to the details of any task I undertake.”

Michael Langel - Proving Grounds Lawn Care

“Military service has given me the tools necessary to start, run, and maintain my business. Dedication and attention to details are my watch words. These are just a sample of the many lessons learned and experience gained from my military service.”

Charles Brown - Exodus International

“Learned how to be more focused on getting things done, and to research as much as I can before taking action.”

David Rowland - Rowland Enterprises

“Discipline, team work, never give up attitude.”

Marvin Whitaker - Skip's Construction Co., Inc.

“Time and safety critical operations demand a higher level of personal accountability that most commercial operations. Military service (twenty-three years of US Navy service) builds-in a level of experience & confidence unmatched by other venues.”

Jim Holcombe - JHolcombe & Associates, Incorporated

“The leadership, management and personal accountability training and experiences provided to me through 23 years of US Navy service cannot, in my opinion, be matched by any other institution of higher learning or commercial concern.”

Jim Holcombe - American Biometric Systems Incorporated

“Military service taught me that taking care of people is just as important as turning a profit. We truly believe that in helping others in a fair and honest way that we are also helping ourselves to be better people.”

robert thomas - Thomas and Sons Home Efficiency

“Discipline, pride in workmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service ethic.”

Jeff Truesdale - Proforma True Solutions

“It gives you the focus and discipline to deal with everyday situations. How to work as a team and to meet deadlines.”

Jean Danson - Allied Computers

“Serving in the Army and now the Reserves has helped me to be more aware of the world around me. My organizational and communication skills have improved, I have an increased love for my country and our freedoms. I returned from my 4th deployment to Afghanistan (2012) and am honored to say that I have served with the finest men and women and am grateful for their support and for what we have learned together.”

Adam Peters - Three Willows Counseling, LLC

“It has given me leadership skills, drive and desire to become someone, the need to succeed.”

Katrina Wheeler - Katrina Wheeler Photography

“Experience of Government supplies purchased and requested.”

Joseph P Pekar - MFG Reps, LLC

“Before joining the military I was a partner in a restaurant at the age of 23. When the Iraq war kicked off I had a hard time sitting on the side lines watching everything unfold. I left the partnership and joined the military. The rest is history.”

Nicholas Gray - NG Enterprises, LLC

“It has given me the discipline to realize that what the mind can see it can achieve!”

Richard Olvera - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard Olvera

“Taught me to interact with all different types of people. Taught me discipline and accountability. Taught me loyalty.”

Steve Andrascik - Steve Andrascik (Henderson Home Search)

“My 10 years in the US Coast Guard has forced me to adapt to learn virtually every other specialty that directly and indirectly affects me. In my experience, almost every system that I have seen in the coast guard has failed around me and I would have to learn how to operate it to ensure it was carried out properly other wise it would negatively affect me. as a result of these broken systems I have been able to learn about technology, administration, management, science and teaching.”

Charles Carver - Triple C Entertainment

“Military service instills many fine characteristics such as integrity, responsibility, loyalty, commitment, and much more. It makes you appreciate the freedoms that we are afforded because of the sacrifices of those know what it truly means to serve.”

Jeff Haynes - Realty Inspection Services, LLC

“Serving my country has been one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. The leadership, problem solving skills, as well as the strong work ethics instilled on me while serving, permeate everything we do at our law firm.”

Gary Lambert - Lambert & Associates

“Taught me to be self reliant.”

Seymour Lecker - Lecker Business Services, Inc.

“Discipline, Discipline, Discipline. I received a lot of knowledge from my career in the military. Air Force values; Service before self and excellence in all we do.”

James Myers - Cincinnati Painter, Inc.

“Motivation, education, and integrity.”

James Molnar - Colossal Construction Company LLC

“Endurance and diligence.”

Tim Donaldson - Media Dreams LLC

“The military life requires discipline and focus - two key elements required to be successful in business. We have a very unique perspective on life once we are no longer active in the military but the residual affect of our commitment is evident.”

Sofia Hogan - Sofia Hogan Biz Coaching

“Discipline, flexibility, honor, and sacrifice.”

Dave Weiner - Phoenix Executive Services

“The Military taught me discipline and responsibility, these are the most important qualities that I have been able to bring to my business efforts.”

john gorman - Pocket Constitution

“My 4-year enlistment in the United States Air Force taught me many skills. As a Security Police K-9 officer, I learned how to write detailed incident reports that would later be used in court to get full convictions. I also learned that a quest for knowledge and training in my career field led to special duty assignments, advancement and recognition by my superiors. Additionally, my GI Bill benefits allowed me to further my education and complete my degree programs, which provided me with additional skills needed in today's business environment.”

Jeff Tomczak - Rocky Mountain Flag Company - Littleton

“Discipline!”

Ed Mihalacki - Laurel Mountain Laser

“The USN 82-86 has taught me or helped prepare me in life for all the big words like, responsibility, dependability, respect, fairness, and much more! I probably would not be where I am today without this valuable duty of serving my country!”

Michael Marcus - Las Vegas Tile and Grout Cleaning

“The military education that I have had along with my job as an engineering draftsman/illustrator as well as art school has prepared me to do what is required for the sign business. I have served in the Navy as well as a Civil service retirement.”

William Smith - Signs by Splat

“Serving in the US Army, it gave me a sense of duty to be loyal to my fellow man - my fellow business owner. Taking pride in your country or your business creates a standard or a moral bar that is set at a high level that brings satisfaction daily.”

Robert Gaskin - National Business Loans

“The leadership and team building skills that I learned through the Navy gave me a definite advantage over my competition to build strong foundation with a very committed and dedicated staff.”

Kathryn Murphy - Comfort Keepers - Jacksonville Florida

“The Marines & Vietnam taught me not to give up, communicate, disagree is OK, and work together. With that nothing is impossible.”

Mike Mah - NoStressMike.com

“As an active duty member of the United States Army, I learned many many skills essential for entrepreneurship. I learned self discipline, leadership, commitment to task. I am grateful for the experience I had in the military for these reasons.”

Honey Rodgers - Premier Backyards

“Learned responsibility and chain of command.”

Clifton Coleman - Ugly Otter Trading Post

“Dedication and hard work!”

Gene Yoho - Crescent Electric Service Co Inc

“As an Infantry Unit Leader, I had to coordinate efforts to accomplish missions and objectives with as few casualties and the most efficiency possible. Seeing how tasks come together to complete a larger objective was an important tool to becoming a business owner. Supporting contracts sometimes requires a joint effort with other organizations to be successful.”

Christopher Worden - Worden Technology Solutions, LLC

“Being a veteran of 8 years and still an active member of the reserves, has taught me to work hard, be dedicated to my goals, and continue my education. I have also gained the quality of presenting myself in a professional manor.”

Cory Jiggens - Fishbone Computing

“Military Service gave me my first introduction to Federal Government work and the discipline that was derived from being a Marine shaped me personally in my work ethics, attitude and dedication to detail. My Marine Corp training was invaluable.”

Valerie Lewis - Valerie Lewis Janitorial

“My military experiential base as a program and project manager, logistical specialist, and variety of other attributes from the service helped keynote the abilities I have learned to develop to be successful as a business owner.”

Dennis R Stebbins - Ventus Travel

“The military prepares people with a unique perspective on challenges. Veterans learn how to approach the world from another angle, and have an unparalleled drive and focus for meeting each challenge.”

Chad Bowerman - The Yellow Dog Group, LLC

“Leadership traits and principles instilled by the Corps.”

Wade Grant - PC Tech MediX

“Instilled in me a sense of drive and purpose that has been the key to my 25+ years of success as operator and owner of a small business distributing safety products and protective clothing to industry. My business is my life!”

Paul Hill - PJ Hill Industries

“Service before self, always doing your best, attention to detail.”

Glenn Heald - Santa Talks - A Book by Santa Glenn Heald

“The Military taught me a number of things. The values of hard work, dedication, and integrity. In my business its crucial that my clients feel and know that I am taking care of their best interests with the highest of ethical standards.”

Conrad Caldwell - North State Insurance Group, LLC

“The military was instrumental in teaching me how to take pride in my work, and how important ethics are in any work environment.”

Craig Sawyer - Tim Nolen Enterprises

“Promptness and discipline!”

DeMond Nelson - XTK Cleaning

“Being in the Air Force has prepared me by teaching me the key factors of business, attention to detail being prompt and showing effective problems resolution skills.”

Walter White - On-Demand Courier & Concierge

“I've been doing government contracting for 43 years. Retired C.O. from the USAF in 1986.”

Rick Horn - Nevada Procurement Outreach Program

“Gave me the experience and confidence to handle myself and my affairs. It provided travel opportunities that opened my eyes to the entire world.”

Dave Pinchotti - Trippe Supply Co. of Washington, DC, Inc

“Learned to be responsible, punctual, dependable, persistent, loyal, appreciate teamwork, respect for self and others, leadership.”

Jesse Willingham - TriMark Marketing Technologies, Inc.

“It's my name on the line. I make sure everything is done right this time and every time.”

Robert Evans - Tree City Lawn Care

“Discipline, courage with 3rd Bat/26th Marines and 1st Bat/13th Marines.”

Stephen Coyle - Town-Green

“It prepared me to be a more organized and responsible person. By being in the Army, I developed a mentality that enabled me to become self-efficient and resourceful in starting and maintaining a business venture.”

Patricia Minton - Flower Divas

“My military service prepared me to be a better business owner because it provided me with the ability to not only focus on the big picture of a project, but to identify the necessary components to accomplish a stated objective. ”

Genesiac Folkes - Folkes Brothers, LLC

“My interactions with people from different cultures and backgrounds has allowed me to view the world as a "melting pot" of talented people. My military discipline, loyalty enables me to provide good customer service while manufacturing practical products for "everyday people" to use!”

Terry Evans - NexTTyme LLC

“Focus and discipline, organization and importance of readiness and training.”

Thomas Savoy - Northwest Pedorthics

“Leadership and management skills. Patience and perseverance.”

Edward Norton - Norton Consulting & Investigations LLC

“Discipline, hard work, and a "can do" attitude are attributes to any successful business.”

Troy Decker - Symmetry Installations

“To be on time and responsible for your actions!”

Jim Coshatt - T & C Services LLC

“Team work.”

Rboert Sanders - T.J. Reliable Handyman, Inc

“Military service has prepared me to be a better owner because it made me detail oriented. It also helped me with my organization skills. I learned that organization plays a vital role on order in your business.”

Juan Davis - Tandem Productions LLC

“My Military experience has taught me the value of commitment, character, and discipline. I apply these attributes to the way that I live my life and the way that I manage my business.”

William Cobb - Targeted Tactics, LLC

“Being a Marine taught me the value of life and sacrifice. I learned to strive for those things that are important to me, and to never give up.”

Brian Grinston - The Alaska Veterans Project

“I was a Navy Corpsman for 10 years at which time my strong work ethic and discipline was forged. I thank the military for every good thing that has happened to me as well as every good trait I have grown.”

Kimberly Nash - The Bunny Baby

“The two owners of the firm are both in the Army Reserves. We both deployed to Iraq. We are now at the same Army Unit. Michael Chen is a 1LT (O2) in the JAG Corp. He just received his commission. He was a SSG (E6) prior to getting commissioned. Rex Tran is a SFC (E7). The military service gave us both the will and drive to own our own business. It helped give us the confidence, patience and the ability to pay attention to the details necessary to build a business.”

Rex Tran - The Law Offices of Chen & Tran

“Communications and teamwork.”

James Sleter - The Place To Go Travel

“It Forged a "Can Do Attitude" Coupled with personal Accountability, Perseverance, dedication and loyalty.”

Octavio George Manso - The Pressure's On Us

“From boot camp to my duty station I had some of the finest examples of officers and Sergeants to look up to. I was lucky to get assigned to the best Sergeants and Officers that taught me leadership and that a man is only as good as his word. Never ask a man to do what you are not willing to do yourself. I was shown that a man dose the best that he can do in every situation. One name that deserves honorable mention is Command Sergeant Major Kennedy a top soldier.”

Stephen Pullen - Advantage Tool & Mold LLC

“The US Air Force provided the instruction and experience in electronic equipment operation and repair.”

Kevin McLaughlin - Advent Automation, Inc.

“The USAF gave me a job fixing fighter aircraft. Attention to detail, thoroughness and perfection ensured our pilots could always count on the jet to perform - lives depended it on it. These qualities make Advoco a business you can count on now.”

Robert Zimmerman - Advoco Technology

“I learned to stay 200 steps ahead of what people might want from me.”

James Wright - LastWright Music

“It has taught me key leadership, planning, and organizational skills.”

John Karafa - Leebcor Services, LLC

“I feel that the discipline I learned while in the military has helped me be a better, more organized business owner.”

George W Kempton - Porceline Company

“Through my experience in the Army I learned how to effectively deal with and solve conflicts. I learned to be solution oriented and to know that no task or project is impossible to accomplish. I have adopted this philosophy and integrated it into our company mission statement. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and the desire to go the extra mile to find a solution to any customer request.”

Anne Powers - Powerhouse Inc

“I have had served over 23 years in the United States Marine Corp, developed strong business ethics and discipline, and experienced working with many people from all walks of life.”

Richard DeVasto - LegalShield Independent Associate - Richard R. De Vasto

“Dedication to others.”

A Brummel - LegalShield Independent Associate - Angela Williams Brummel

“It taught me that we all need each other. It matters not where the other guy is from, or where he went to school, or what his occupation is; as long as we're firing in the same direction, we have each others back.”

Will Taylor - Precious Home Care Services

“My service in the U.S. Army has prepared me in business by: understanding my goals, mission, and methods used by competition. I am a combat veteran; so, I understand the “need to have” vs. the “nice to have” tools and strategies to survive and win. Leadership methods learned in the military have helped me coach, council, manage, motivate as well as discipline/reward my employees. Communication, documentation, initiative, organization, professionalism, teamwork, technical quality and technical quantity as well as time management skills were business tools that I learned while in the service.”

Dave Tong - Premier Technical Services Corporation